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Belshazzar's  Doom 


COMPOSED  BY 

SAMUEL  JOHNSOH. 


ST,  PAUL,  MINN. 

1887. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1887.  by 

SAMUEL  JOHNSON, 
In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington. 


Printed  by  Wanderer  Printing  Co. 
St.  Paul,  Minn. 


PS 


BELSHAZZAR'S  DOOM, 


A  king  there  lived  in  ancient  ages 
Who  did  possess  a  wondrous  fame;  ' 
Not  Solomon  the  sage  of  sages; — 
This  was  another  king  by  name 
Belshazzar,  and  still  history's  pages 
Tell  of  his  life,  his  death,  his  shame, 
His  heavy  sins  and  their  high  wages, 
And  how  he  played  a  fatal  game. 

He  ruled  o'er  mighty  Babylon,  the  famous, 

The  loveliest  of  cities  in  the  world, 

The  kingdom  which  o'er  other  ancient  kingdoms 

The  banner  of  supremacy  unfurled. 

He  was  Nebuchadnezzar's  son  and  scion, — 

His  very  image  in  all  wicked  ways; 

He  lived  as  independent  as  the  lion 

And  won  through  sin  and  vice  the  wicked's  praise. 


—  5  — 


762903 


He  ruled  his  monarchy  with  rods  of  iron, 
And  when  enraged  the  flames  of  wrath  would  blaze 
Until  they  reached  to  heav'n,  to  God  of  Zion, 
Who  even  now  was  numbering  his  days. 

But  never  did  he  lift  his  eyes  to  heaven 
And  therefore  could  not  see  a  higher  pow'r; 
He  was  himself  monarch;  who  could  tell  him 
A  king  above  him  had  him  in  his  pow'r? 
No  time  for  this!  a  king,  a  brute,  a  tyrant 
Has  other  things  than  these  to  keep  in  mind, 
For  he  must  rule  as  he  is  ruled  by  Satan! 
A  vassal  and  a  king  are  here  combin'd! 

But  often  would  he  thirst  for  some  amusement 
And  let  the  tyrant  spirit  take  a  rest, — 
But  this  would  never  check  his  proud  ambition;. 
The  same  vile  heart  still  beat  within  his  breast; 
In  kingly  robes  and  state  and  pomp  and  glory 
He  hid  his  foul  iniquities  and  shame: 


—  6  — 


Fair  fortune  smiled  her  sweetest  on  his  kingdom, 
With  grand  success  she  fed  ambition's  flame, — 
But  haughtiness  and  pride  and  vile  ambition, 
On  which  the  lofty  fly  as  tho'  on  wings, 
According  to  the  King's  of  Heav'n  decision 
Has  ever  been,  and  shall,  the  bane  of  kings! 

And  thus  it  is  that  mighty  men 

So  often  play  the  fool; 

In  their  ascent  they  imitate 

The  rnount'neer's  heedless  mule,  — 

They  climb  on  unsafe  footing 

To  the  mountain's  highest  crown, 

And  never  think  that  when  they  fall 

It  is  a  great  way  down. 

Thus  did  he  climb  on  stepping  stones 

Of  haughtiness  and  pride 

"To  higher  realms"  he  thought,  but  no! 

By  One  he  was  defied! 

The  One  who  ruled  the  realms  above 


—  7  — 


Had  fix'd  his  utmost  height; 

"Thus  far,  no  farther  shalt  thou  soar. 

Vain  eagle  in  thy  flight!" 

The  King  of  kings  was  even  now. 

Although  to  him  unknown, 

Above  his  head  and  reaching  forth 

To  hurl  him  from  his  throne! 

The  city  long  by  foes  had  been  surrounded, 

The  Modes'1  and  Persians'  formidable  ranks 

Had  met  the  anxious  gaze  of  Babylon's  sentinels 

Upon  the  hills  and  on  the  river's  banks, 

And  round  the  walls,  from  dark  Euphrates'  entrance 

E'en  to  its  exit  on  the  other  side, 

The  foe's  grim  front  was  stationed  like  a  death  watch 

Round  those  grim  walls  which  even  death  defied. 

King  Cyrus  with  his  great,  tremendous  army 
Of  Persian  horsemen,  forty-thousand  strong, 
And  Lydian  warriors  well  equipped  and  armed, 


—  8  — 


Of  Phrygian  javelin-men  a  massive  throng, 

And  therewith  scythed  chariots  and  steeds, 

The  Coppadocians,  by  him  subdued, 

Who  now  had  joined  as  allies  to  the  Medes: 

Arabian  slingers  in  a  multitude 

On  every  side  stood  ready  for  the  battle. 

Must  not  such  formidable  foe  cause  dread? 

An  awful  body,  made  to  deal  destruction, 

But  waits  command  from  Cyrus,  from  its  head. 

He  ranged  his  mighty  forces  round  the  walls, 
But  as  he  round  the  city  spurred  his  steed 
Lo!  an  Assyrian  traitor  doth  approach! 
Kxpecting  to  deserve  a  bounteous  meed. 
To  Cyrus  he  imparts  the  secret  minds, 
The  plans  of  those  within  the  foe's  defense, 
And  thus  he  speaks:   "•()  Cyrus,  be  not  rash! 
Thf  Assyrians  show  no  signs  of  diffidence;. 
They  laugh  and  mock  your  army,  for  they  say 
As  from  the  walls  your  forces  they  survey, 


—  9  — 


Your  chances  do  appear  to  them  but  weak; — 
But  this  is  what  1  would  to  thee  convey: 
They  dare  not  come  without  the  walls  to  iight 
(For  such  an  act  would  bring  them  sure  defeat). 
They'll  keep  in  hiding  till  the  danger's  o'er; 
But  watch  the  treacherous  lion,  be  discreet! 
Gaze  in  his  eyes  and  he  will  do  no  harm: 
His  courage  then  will  fail  —  he  will  not  stir: 
Thus  are  these  Babylonians,  mark  my  word 
That  you  no  needless  danger  may  incur, 
For  when  you  turn  your  forces  to  depart, 
From  yonder  walls  they'll  open  an  attack; 
Therefore,  be  on  your  watch,  guard  your  retreat; 
Like  cowards  they  will  turn  upon  your  back! 

Accepting  this  good  counsel,  Cyrus  gives 

His  orders  for  retreat.     The  army  then 

In  solid  ranks  move  slowly  from  the  scene. 

Anon,  they  turn  and  face  the  foe  again, 

And  thus  they  march;  with  face  toward  the  wall, 


—  10  — 


They  keep  an  eagle  eye  upon  the  foe, 
Until  safe  distance  guards  them  from  the  shafts, 
The  slings  and  arrows  of  the  lurking  foe: 
Then,  on  they  march  till  out  of  Babylon's  view, 
Nor  halt  until  they  reach  their  rendezvous. 

The  thoughtful  general  summons  then  around  him 
His  most  important  officers  to  council, 
Among  whom  were,  Gobryas,  an  Assyrian 
Whose  son  by  King  Belshazzar  had  been  slain, 
Gadatas,  an  Assyrian  by  birth. 
Who  also  by  this  villain  had  been  wrorigf-d, 
And  both,  now  thirsting  to  avenge  their  wrongs, 
Had  turned  against  Belshazzar,  Babylon's  king, 
And  joined  with  Cyrus,  his  most  deadly  foe, 
To  pay  the  bloody  tyrant  for  their  wrongs. 
These  officers  and  one  by  name  Chrysantas 
Composed  the  three  most  weighty  men  in  council. 


11  — 


First  Cyrus  spoke:  "Allies  and  friends, 

Great  difficulty  this  our  plan  attends: 

We've  viewed  the  city's  stronghold  round  about, 

And  frankly,  our  success  I  greatly  doubt! 

Such  massive  walls  we  cannot  take  by  force, — 

We  must  pursue  some  more  expedient  course: 

More  plans  than  one  I  might  indeed  suggest, 

And  yet  it  seems  to  me  a  siege  were  best; 

Let  soldiers  guard  the  citv  round  about 

And  piercing  famine  soon  will  drive  them  out. 

J  think  this  is  our  plan  to  take  our  foes 

Unless  some  better  method  you'd  propose." 

Chrysantas  says:  "Can  we  not  ford  the  stream?" 

Gobryas  answers:  "No,  we'll  never  dream 

Of  such  an  undertaking,  for  my  lord, 

The  river  here  is  twice  too  deep  to  ford." 

But  Cyrus  speaks:  "No  more  Chrysantas!  hold! 

And  hark  to  me  while  I  my  plan  unfold: 

Our  force  shall  be  arranged  in  three  detachments, 

And  where  Euphrates  in  the  city 


—  12  — 


Be  one  detachment  of  the  army  stationed. 
Another  where  the  river  makes  its  exit; 
The  third  withdraw  with  me  a  little  distance 
Further  up  the  river,  to  that  .place 
Where  Nitocris,  once  Babylon's  famous  queen, 
Once  turned  the  modest  river  from  its  bed: 
There  we  will  pierce  the  banks  and  force  the  flood 
Out  of  its  natural  course  in  a  canal 
Which  passes  to  that  lake  above  the  city 
Which  this  same  Nitocris,  the  queen,  hath  sunk. 
Both  forces  then  be  vigilant  and  ready: 
Be  on  your  guard  and  watch  the  sinking  stream: 
When  from  the  flood  enough  has  been  extracted, 
That  ye  may  possible  effect  an  entrance, 
Press  forward,  lose  no  time  but  march  at  once: 
The  river's  bed  shall  be  your  line  of  march: 
Both  armies  enter  neath  the  massive  walls 
And  meet  within  Belshazzar's  battlements, 
And  there  we'll  join  our  forces  all  in  one. 
If  we  shall  meet  again  within  those  walls 


—  13 


And  force  the  bra/en  gates  within  to  yield, 

Belshaz/ar's  power  is  but  a  fickle  thing, 

And  short  his  reign  as  Babylon's  mighty  king! 

We'll  have  him  now  —  our  plans  he  shall  not  foil! 

But  we  must  work:   the  steps  to  reach  the  throne 

Are  not  yet  built;  'tis  but  a  night  of  toil, 

And  every  man  shall  reap  what  he  has  sown! 

Play  well  your  parts,  lose  not  a  single  cue; 

Be  brave  as  lions,  sly  as  th'  wary  fox; 

Your  minds  with  thoughts  of  victory  imbue, 

And  rest  not  till  within  Belshaz/ar's  locks! 

This  very  night  the  serpent  must  be  slain, 

For  if  he  live  uncertain  is  our  gain; — 

And  let  us  swear  tomorrow's  rising  sun 

Must  see  the  tyrant  dead  and  th'  castle  won!" 

Up  from  the  secret  conclave  gathered  there 

The  solemn  oath  swells  on  the  midnight  air 

And  in  a  murmur  dies  away:  "We  swear!" 

Now  Babylon  thinks  from  danger  she  is  free! 
In  blissful  ignorance  the  people  see, 

—  14  — 


Where  tl it-re  was  no  defeat,  a  victory: 
They  little  dream  what  dangers  hover  near! 
With  joy  they  see  the  enemy  disappear: 
Pride  and  defiance  take  the  place" of  fear. 

For  Babylon,  by  enemies  surrounded, 

Was  threatened  with  destruction  for  a  time; 

But  now  the  bells  of  liberty  had  sounded, 

And  all  hearts  swelled  with  joy  to  hear  their  chime! 

The  dreadful  siege  had  reached  its  termination, 

The  enemy,  a  weary  of  suspense, 

Had  turned  their  backs,  despairing  an  invasion 

Into  a  castle  with  so  strong  defense. 

So  now  the  flags  of  liberty  were  flying, 
The  emblems  of  a  peaceful  victory, 
All  hearts  are  full  of  joy,  no  time  for  sighing, 
For  mighty  Babylon  again  is  free! 

To  celebrate  their  liberty, 
Belsha/y.ar  made  a  festival, 


—  15  — 


A  royal,  grand  reception 

Unto  his  princes,  dukes  and  lords. 

And  all  without  exception 

Were  invited  by  his  honor  at 

This  banquet  to  be  present, 

To  revel  in  his  luxuries 

And  spent  the  night  so  pleasant; 

would  feast  and  revel 
And  pass  the  glorious  time 
In  praising  loud  their  sovereign, 
The  royal,  the  sublime! 

The  night  is  clear,  the  gentle  zephyrs  sigh 

The  branches  of  the  lofty  trees  among; 

The  sprightly  birds  their  evening  lays  have  sung; 

A  cloud  is  cradled  near  the  setting  sun, 

Its  parting  rays  in  splendor  to  increase, 

A  long,  eventful  day  is  almost  done, 

All  nature  prophesies  a  night  of  peace. 


—  16  — 


The  princes,  dukes  and  lords  and  mighty  men 
Begin  to  'semble  at  the  palace  then, 
The  fluent  orators  and  famous  bards, 
To  sound  his  praise  and  pay  their  due  regards; 
The  wise,  the  witty  who  could  entertain, 
The  brightest  fools  within  Belshazzar's  reign, 
The  gayest  women,  bright  society's  lights, 
Came  to  adorn  the  feast  upon  that  night; 
The  great  and  greater  gather  side  by  side 
With  mingled  love  and  malice,  hate  and  pride. 

The  light  of  day  ebbs,  ebbs  away; 
The  night  comes  swiftly  on 
And  still  the  mass  of  revelers 
Keeps  surging,  surging  on. 

The  moon  ascended  to  her  throne 
In  heaven's  dome  so  high, 
And  ushered  out  the  myriad  stars 
In  azure  tinted  sky. 


-  13.  — 


Torch-light  processions  form  in  line 
And  march  from  street  to  street; 
The  crowds  with  songs  and  joyous  shouts 
Their  daz/ling  glories  greet. 

The  flames  of  bonfires  leap  to  heaven, 
Chaldea's  dark  sky  to  meet, 
As  to  defy  the  stars  with  them 
In  glory  to  compete. 

Against  such  odds,  it  seems  to  them, 
The  orbs  of  heav'n  grow  pale 
As  on  the  dark  blue  sea  of  sky 
Far  o'er  the  scene  they  sail! 

The  moon  pales  at  the  gorgeous  sight, 
As  she  gazes  on  the  scene;  — 
The  King  of  heaven  veils  her  view 
And  hides  her  gentle  sheen. 


—  18  — 


Across  the  spangled  canopy 

lit-  draws  the  leaden  clouds, 

And  wraps  the  hills  and  valleys  round 

In  night's  mysterious  shrouds. 

Ah!   what  a  grand  array  of  braves 

Now  throng  the  streets;  behold! 

When  battle's  wrinkled  brow  is  smoothed 

How  Babylon  grows  bold! 

The  soldiers,  gaily  dressed  and  armed 

With  implements  of  war, 

Parade  the  streets,  and  laugh  and  shout, 

For  danger  is  afar! 

This  is  a  night  for  Babylon 
To  worship  golden  gods, 
To  sing  the  glory  of  their  king  — 
And  kiss  his  iron  rods! 


—  19 


No  songs  of  joy  or  voice  of  thanks 
To  heavens  King  they  raise: 
But  all  in  one  united  choir 
To  Satan's  imp  give  praise. 

Ten  thousand  voices  fill  the  air 
And  make  the  echoes  ring: 
"Hail  to  our  mighty  sovereign, 
Belshazzar,  noble  king!" 

The  merry  songs,  the  shouts  of  praise 
Reach  to  an  earthly  throne, 
Then,  empty  honors,  fall  like  chaff 
By  th1  ruthless  weather  blown. 

Belshazzar  takes  his  royal  seat, 
The  palace  portals  open  wide. 
And  soon  the  scenes  upon  the  streets 
Resemble  th'  ebbing  of  the  tide. 


—  20  — 


When  the  dim  moon- light 

Barely  gilds  the  night, 

Beware  the  enemy  of  light: 

The  tumult  of  day 

Has  died  away 

And  now  the  devil  seeks  his  prey. 

The  curtain  rolls  up  on  a  dazzling  scene, 

One  scarcely  believes  it  but  thinks  it  a  dream; 

The  palace  is  seen  with  its  spacious  halls, 

Its  massive,  decorated  walls 

Emblazoned  with  riches  from  near  and  from  far, — 

The  trophies  of  battles,  the  relics  of  wTar, 

The  carvings,  the  sculptures  of  kings  and  of  lords 

Arrayed  in  their  armour,  with  helmets  and  swords; 

In  the  midst  of  the  glory  the  sovereign's  throne 

Is  set  like  in  jewel  the  diamond  stone, 

Where  in  royal  state  and  costly  gown, 

Belshazzar  sits  'neath  his  heavy  crown. 


—  21  — 


Sweet  arnazons,  arrayed  in  costumes  gay, 
Like  fairies  to  tlf  enchanting  music  sway: 
Their  eyes  are  lu>tnnis  as  the  luscious  \viue. 
Their  fair  forms  sway  witli  east-  and  grace  divine 
As  fair  as  Venus,  each  a  beauty's  queen, 
They  add  new  lustre  to  the  brilliant  scene: 
Like  sister  nymphs,  assembled  in  a  ring, 
They  throw  a  goigeous  halo  round  the  king; 
Hark  to  the  gushing  melodies  so  fail- 
That  burst  upon  the  sweetly  perfumed  air: 
Such  songs  as  the  enchanting  siren  sings 
When  harping  on  the  h'eart's  most  tender  strings: 

(SQNG) 

Come  fairies  fair,  join  in  the  dance, 
Our  noble  king  with  love  entrance 
And  make  his  heart  in  rapture  dance — 
His  happiness  is  ours — 


_  22  — 


Live  while  you  live  ere  fall  death's  shades 
Pluck  life's  sweet  flower  ere  it  fades, 
Join  in  the  dance,  ye  glowing  maids, 
Beguile  the  fleeting  hours. 

Long  live  Belshazzar,  mighty  king! 
'Tis  to  thy  shrine  our  praise  we  bring; 
May  far  resounding  echoes -ring 
With  songs  of  jubilation. 
Bright  gleams  the  lustre  of  thy  fame, 
Great  is  the  power  of  thy  name, 
Thy  glory  all  the  world  proclaim: 
"Belshazzar,  king  of  nations!" 

O  Babylon,  queen  of  all  the  world, 
Who  o'er  all  thy  banner  of  beauty  unfurled, 
And  thy  enemies  back  to  defeat  hast  hurled, 
Thy  daughters  sing  thy  glory; 


—  23  — 


Our  tongues  shall  sing  it  o'er  and  o'er 
Till  to-day  be  called  a  day  of  yore: — 
When  the  songs  we  sing  are  heard  no  more, 
New  tongues  shall  tell  thy  story. 

In  mellow  tones  first  sing  the  song, 
Sing  it  through  the  night  so  long, 
As  we  lightly  dance  along, 
Softly  now  were  singing, — 
Louder  still  !  Our  merry  tune 
Seems  to  rise  above  the  moon, 
And  the  echoes  soon,  ah  soon, 
Shall  set  creation  ringing! 

The  brilliant  lights  shine  down  upon 
Young  maids  whose  spring  has  just  begun, 
As  gay  and  free  as  the  mermaid's  song, 
And  those  whose  glass  is  almost  run: 


—  24  — 


Both  old  arid  young  are  full  of  glee,- 
Old  age  can  not  the  gayety  mar, 
For  every  heart  is  light  and  free. — 
But  o'er  them  gleams  a  fatal  star! 

The  tables  now  are  set  and  they 
Are  waiting  on  the  guests, 
And  slaves  stand  ready  to  obey 
Their  sovereign's  requests. 
Ah!  what  a  treat  for  one  and  all; 
The  fruits  arid  luscious  wines — 
How  bright  it  sparkles  in  the  cup  — 
The  maid's  eyes  it  outshines! 
Ah!  yes  'tis  sweet  before  the  eye, 
It  works  a  mystic  thrall: 
Alas!  how  many  find  too  late, 
'Tis  burning  venom,  gall! 

But  as  the  king  sits  down  to  sup, 
And  sips  the  nectar  from  his  cup, 


—  25  — 


Old  Satan  takes  a  seat  beside, 
As  though  he  wished  something  to  say; 
But  his  intention's  not  to  chide, 
But  instigate  him  on  his  way: 
"Thou  art  a  great  and  mighty  king, 
Free  as  the  eagle  on  the  wing, 
Thy  fort  defies  all  other  castles, 
And  lordly  pi'inces  are  thy  vassals; 
On  earth  there's  none  can  govern  thee! 
Thy  will  alone  thy  guide  shall  be!" 
But  conscience  whispers,  scarcely  heard: 
"Thou  haughty,  unrelenting  fool, 
Since  thou  hast  heaven's  king  deferred, 
Thou  must  obey  the  devil's  rule!" 

Meanwhile  they  feast  and  sup  and  drink, 
And  louder  still  the  goblets  clink: 
Some  praise  their  gods  of  silver,  gold, 
With  words  and  actions  manifold, 
While  others  in  their  maddened  glee 


Are  tumbling  like  a  surging  sea, 
Or  like  a  vast  and  living  ocean, 
To  keep  the  poetry  of  motion. 

See  yonder,  dancing  with  a  queen, 

The  king  —  'tis  but  to  plainly  seen, 

By  the  expression  of  his  eyne, 

That  he  has  drunk  the  glistening  wine, 

And  now  in  his  riches  he  thinks  he  may  revel  — 

But  into  his  mouth  he  has  ushered  the  devil  — 

In  one  of  the  mildest  disguises  of  Satan  — 

~  * 

To  rob  him  of  senses,  of  thoughts  and  of  brains: 
Yes,  Bacchus  is  murderer,  thief  and  a  villain; 
His  forehead  is  branded  as  sure  as  was  Cain's. 

Oh!   now  if  Satan  could  be  heard, 

His  blood  would  chill  with  every  word: 

"Be  happy  now  O  fool,  while  yet  you  may, 
For  soon,  too  soon,  your  soul  shall  pass  away, 
And  ere  the  breaking  of  another  day, 


For  help  in  vain,  in  vain  thou  shall  implore; 
Beyond  death's  flood,  on  the  grim  and  shadowy  shore, 
Thou  shalt  remain,  my  slave  forevermore! 

"A  yawning  hell,  a  terrible  abyss 

Where  fiery,  flame-tongued  serpents  sway  and  hiss, 

And  gone  for  aye  is  every  earthly  bliss  — 

Yes,  even  now  my  cavern  yawns  for  thee, 

And  soon,  ah  soon,  thy  captive  soul  shall  be 

A  victim  of  th'  eternal  sulphury  sea! 

"Ha!  ha!  ha!  ha!  thour't  tottering  on  the  brink 
Of  hell  itself!  What?  still  another  drink? 
Ah  fool,  forge  thou  thy  chain's  last  fatal  link! 
Drink  on,  let  not  the  revelry  abate; 
Laugh  on,  thou  fool,  until  I  sing  thy  fate; 
Fallen,  fallen,  fallen  is  Babylon,  the  great! 

O  wine,  wine,  strangle  all  his  gloomy  tho'ts, 
Drown  consciousness  in  seas  of  merry  tho'ts 
And  hide  his  foe's  deep  laid  and  fatal  plots; 


—  28  — 


Choke  piping  conscience  in  his  very  throat: 
When  on  the  height  of  joy,  extinguish  hope 
And  let  experience  in  darkness  grope! 

"Seest  in  thy  merry  madness  naught  but  joy? 
Ha!  ha!  'tis  well!  on  then  without  alloy; 
Thy  lease  of  life  is  short;  thyself  enjoy. 
Think  not,  great  king,  of  danger,  till  too  late; 
Awake  not  from  thy  dream  to  learn  thy  fate! 
Dance  on  bright  flowers  to  Inferno's  gate. 

"O,  couldst  thou  gaze  into  that  chasm  below, 
Into  that  murky,  lurid,  dismal  glow, 
And  see  my  fettered  fiends  flit  to  and  fro 
Like  ghastly  shadows  of  myself,  and  there 
Behold  that  haggard,  woe-bespeaking  glare 
With  which  their  brine- wrung  eyes  forever  stare! 

"These  are  my  foul  and  blood-bedabbled  ghouls, 
Whose  eyes  gleam  like  eternal  glowing  coals, 
Awaiting  Death  to  bring  more  damned  souls! 


29  — 


They  once  were  kings  and  princes,  dukes  and  lords; 
On  earth's  great  stage  as  stars  they've  held  the  boards, 
But  now  they  are  with  my  condemned  hordes. 

"Be  thou  a  humble  beggar  or  a  king, 
No  odd.s  to  me,  for  from  the  sea  of  sin, 
In  my  stout  nets,  all  sorts  I  gather  in. 
Ha!  ha!  ha!  ha!  I  have  thee  in  my  grasp, 
And  now  my  part  is  but  to  hold  thee  fast, 
And  mine  shall  be  the  victory  at  last!111 

The  orchestra  strikes  up  its  strains, — 
The  rolling  drum,  the  cymbal's  jingle 
O'erwhelm  the  voices  of  the  throng 
Which  with  the  festive  music  mingle 
And  falls  upon  the  quiet  night, 
Awakes  the  songsters  in  the  trees 
And  drives  the  slumber  from  their  eyes, 
As't  floats  upon  the  swelling  breeze. 
And  the  din  grows  worse  and  worse 


—  30  — 


While  the  liquor  freely  flows, 

Now  a  prayer,  now  a  curse, 

And  the  time  thus  swiftly  goes — 

But  the  music  gay  and  light 

Is  heard  by  the  wary  foes 

In  the  silent  wake  of  night, 

Where  the  campfire's  dim  light  glows. 

The  midnight  hour  is  almost  flown 
And  still  Belshazzar  holds  his  throne. 

"The  raven  sought  the  eagle  nest: 
Now,  in  despair  seeks  peace  and  rest! 
Ha!  ha!  thus  shall  it  ever  be; 
The  weak  must  lose  the  victory— 
Ha!  ha!  ha!  ha!  be  gay  and  laugh 
And  to  your  king  the  rich  wine  quaff! 
Bring  forth,"  the  drunken  monarch  cries 
In  voice  like  thunder  from  the  skies, 
"The  vessels  taken  from  the  shrine 


—  31 


Of  Israel's  God  for  they  are  mine — 
Bring  forth,  —  I  hold  the  ruling  rods, — 
That  we  may  drink  unto  our  gods! 
Who  dares  encroach  and  say  us  nay'" 
None  while  I  live  and  here  hold  sway 
For  every  yes  and  every  no 
My  will  dictates  is  law!" 

When  lo! 

A  flash  of  most  prognostic  light 
Illumines  now  the  halls. 
Such  that  the  sun  ne'er  shone  so  bright 
Upon  the  castle  walls! 
'T  is  but  a  transient  flash,  again 
As  lightning  it  is  gone! 
An  instant  is  enough  to  call 
Th'  attention  of  the  throng. 

Who  had  the  mysterious  power 
Such  revelry  to  stay:' 


The  echo  of  the  roaring  din 
And  tumult  dies  away. 

See,  yonder,  breaking  through  the  clouds, 
The  ghastly  midnight  moon 
Glares  at  the  scene  of  revelry 
Which  died  away  so  soon. 

But  ah!  how  pale  and  wan  she  looks, 
Then  hides  behind  a  cloud: 
Why  thus  withdraw  and  wrap  the  world 
In  midnight's  darkest  shroud? 

Ah!  is  there  not,  in  heav'n  above, 
A  mystic,  unseen  pow'r 
Who  sways  the  constant  nature's  laws 
To  suit  the  purpose  of  the  hour? 

God  hides  the  swift  approaching  foe 
That  they  may  not  be  seen 


—  33  — 


Until  they  enter,  armed  for  war, 
Upon  the  brilliant  scene! 

That  flash  the  revelry  suppressed 
And  sent  a  chill  through  ev'ry  breast: 
Now  all  is  silent  as  a  grave, 
All  hush'd  as  if  by  death's  cold  wave 
Subdued — 

A  scarcely  whisper  d  pray'r 

Revives  the  deathlike  calm,  then  here  and  there 
Among  the  terror  stricken  throng 
A  shriek  of  frightened  women  loud  and  long 
The  awful  silence  breaks. — 

Again  a  spell, 

And  each  one's  bosom  seems  to  fairly  swell 
With  guilty  fears  which  conscience  will  not  quell; 
Accusing  conscience  will  not  be  suppressed, 
But  whispers:  "Guilt"  within  each  guilty  breast. 


—  34  — 


Behold  upon  that  pale,  white  wall — 

A  ghost!  a  spirit  hand  in  mortal  shape; — 

As  pale  as  death,  as  white  as  snow, 

And  all  must  see  it  —  not  one  can  escape! 

Belshazzar  saw  the  sudden  light, 
He  turned,  beheld  the  ghastly  sight 
Upon  the  wall.     An  oath  he  swore, 
And  dashed  his  goblet  to  the  floor: 
"What  fiend  from  hell  amongst  us  here 
Dares  with  our  banquet  interfere? 
That  black  magician  to  me  bring 
Who  thus  has  dared  to  mock  his  king! 
By  mighty  Jove,  that  slave  shall  burn! 
My  fool  his  ashes  from  an  urn 
Shall  scatter  at  the  feet  of  Bel 
Who'll  trample  him  to  deepest  hell!" 

Is  it  ever  treacherous  wine 
That  shapes  that  awful  stain? 


-  35  - 


Or  is  it  the  fantastic  work 

Of  a  wild  and  reeling  brain  V 

Is  it  despairing  madness  that 

So  makes  the  revellers  start? 

In  heaven's  name  what  else  can  strike 

Such  terror  to  the  heart? 

There  with  its  finger,  thin  and  white, 

It  writes  upon  the  wall 

With  ink  of  a  translucent  light 

Before  the  eyes  of  all! 

Is  it  an  evil  omen,  or 

A  message  to  the  king? 

What  are  the  news  this  ghastly  hand 

His  majesty  would  bring? 

Is  it  the  hand  of  death  that  writes 

The  message  of  his  doom? 

Or  is't,  perchance,  an  epitaph 

To  place  above  his  tomb? 

Is  it  a  harbinger  of  death? 


—  3fi  — 


The  masses  stand  and  hold  their  breath: 
Ah!  certain  'tis  'tis  not  a  dream, 
Although  to  some  it  thus  may  seem, 
For  hundreds  saw  the  self-same  sight, — 
The  silent  hand,  the  blaze  of  light 
Had  met  a  thousand  sleepless  eyes 
And  made  them  start  with  dread  surprise! 

The  hand  of  fate  still  moves  and  writes — 

Then  disappears  from  human  sight 

As  suddenly  as  it  had  come! 

The  silent  messenger  is  gone  — 

But  leaves  his  message  there, 

And  everyone  to  stare, 

For  not  a  soul  could  read  it! 

The  monarch  trembles  and  his  eyes  do  start 
As  though  they  fain  like  stars  from  place  would  dart; 
His  countenance  is  changed,  his  face  grows  pale, 
His  form,  so  full  of  streught,  begins  to  quail; 


—  37  — 


Despair  lends  strenght!    he  hates  this  dread  suspense; 

He'll  know  the  worst;  he'll  pierce  this  myst'ry  dense! 

"Ye  pow'rs  of  heav'n  and  hell,  explain,  explain! 

Are  any  here  who  read,  read  not  in  vain? 

O  ye  all-seeing  prophets,  soothsayers,  come! 

If  you  have  aught  to  say,  remain  not  dumb! 

Ye  midnight-piercing  hags,  ye  learned  men, 

Approach,  unveil  the  message  of  this  pen! 

He  who  unfolds  to  me  the  secret  tale, 

Tears  from  my  eager  eyes  th'  impending  veil, 

Him  shall  I  make  the  greatest  of  my  lords, 

Wealth,  title  his,  all  that  my  pow'r  affords; 

In  scarlet  shall  he  dress,  and  wear  a  chain, 

And  with  myself  shall  o'er  a  kingdom  reign!" 

Thus  spoke  the  aged  queen:  "Art  thou  a  man? 
A  soldier  who  would  stand  in  the  battle's  van, 
Who,  beard  to  beard,  would  meet  the  enemy, 
Fight  like  a  fiend  to  death  or  victory? 
And  now  a  shadoAV  makes  you  quake  with  fear, 


—  38  — 


And  all  your  manly  instincts  disappear! 

Thou  growest  pale  as  one  who  is  not  well! 

Come,  come,  this  piping  voice  of  conscience  quell; 

God  grant  thee  health  and  life  and  prosp'rous  reign, 

And  grant  that  some  one  may  this  sight  explain. 

Look!  these  Chaldeans  stand  and  gaze  as  fools, 

They  cannot  read!  It  is  beyond  their  rules; 

Magicians  and  the  pow'rs  of  hell  stand  back. 

This  task  is  one  too  great!  The  brains  they  lack! 

Out  on  them  all,  impostors!  I  know  one 

Who'll  shame  them  at  their  own  trade!  Hark,  my  son, 

Within  your  kingdom  is  a  man  who  reads 

Mysterious  signs,  and,  seeing  fortune's  seeds, 

Tells  if  they  do  possess  the  power  to  grow; 

If  signs  like  this  have  any  weight  or  no; 

Explains  mysterious  prophesies  and  dreams, 

And  looks  into  the  future's  dark  extremes: 

His  name  was  Daniel,  Beltesazar  now, 

•One  of  the  Jewish  prisoners,  I  trow. 

Astronomers  and  men  of  wisdom  came 


—  39  — 


Before  the  king  and  sought  the  wreath  of  fame; 

Chaldean  soothsayers  with  each  other  vied, 

And  oracles  who  nature's  laws  defied: 

Thy  father  put  their  genius  to  the  test 

But  Beltesazar  far  outshone  the  rest: 

The  king,  thy  father  placed  him  o'er  them  all! 

Have  him  explain  the  writing  on  the  wall. 

Speak,  speak  the  word  and  I  will  have  him  called!" 

Belshazzar  listens  calmly  to  the  end, 
Then  bids  his  mother  for  the  prophet  send. 
"I  will!  yes,  bring  him  here  without  delay; 
He  shall  relieve  my  heart  of  this  dismay! 
O  hasten,  time,  fly  swiftly  on  your  wings!" 
No!  time  is  not  a  slave,  not  e'en  to  kings! 
Swift  messengers  are  sent  at  once  to  bring 
The  learned  seer  before  the  anxious  king. 

The  moments  pass,  each  seems  a  leaden  hour 
Beneath  whose  weight  the  monarch  seems  to  cower- 


—  40  — 


Ere  long,  attended  by  the  royal  queen, 
The  prophet  Daniel  enters  on  the  scene. 
The  king  falls  like  a  subject  to  his  feet, 
1    And  thus  the  learned  seer  doth  he  entreat: 
"O  seer,  I'm  in  distress  so  great  and  deep! 
My  wisest  men  all  fail  to  answer  me 
The  meaning  of  this  monstrous  waking  dream; 
O  give  me  of  the  future  but  a  gleam 
That  I  no  longer  may  uncertain  be. 
Dive,  if  thou  canst,  into  the  secret's  sea 
And  fathom  this  unnatural  mystery. 
The  king  doth  offer  thee  a  brother's  hand, 
And  thou  shalt  be  third  ruler  of  the  land! 

He  bows,  and  thus  he  speaks  unto  the  king 
In  voice  that  makes  the  silent-.palace  ring: 
"O  king,  thy  honored  gifts  I  do  decline; 
My  humble  services  are  ever  thine:        , 
Though  all  thy  men  of  wisdom  read  in  vain, 
The  writing  on  yon  wall  I  will  explain: 


—  41  — 


The  words  are:  Mone,  Tekel,  Upharsin. 
Hark!  for  I  will  explain  what  lies  therein: 
God  placed  thy  father  on  a  dizzy  height! 
Crowned  him  with  glory,  majesty  and  might, 
Gave  him  the  ruling  sceptre  in  his  hand 
And  made  him  sovereign  of  a  mighty  land; 
But  he,  ungrateful  for  a  gift  so  great, 
Abused  his  pow'r  and  justly  met  his  fate; 
Denied  the  presence  of  God's  aiding  hand 
In  making  him  sole  ruler  of  the  land; 
Insulted  and  blasphemed  his  holy  name, 
And  lived  in  base  idolatry  aud  shame; 
Whom  he  desired  he  bade  his  vassals  kill 
And  there  was  none  to  contradict  his  will. 
He  ruled,  a  tyrant  in  his  royal  seat 
While  humble  subjects  trembled  at  his  feet: 
Great  nations  bowed  before  him  and  revered 
A  king  whose  arrogance  to  heaven  reared. 
But  'tis  no  need  that  I  his  tale  should  tell, — 
The  story  of  his  fall  thou  knowest  well: 


—  42  — 


God  took  from  him  the  kingdom  that  he  gave 

And  placed  him  lower  than  the  basest  slave; 

His  sole  companions  were  the  ox  and  ass, 

The  forest  his  abode,  his  food  was  grass: 

Thy  haughty  father  lived  to  sadly  learn 

The  power  of  Him  whose  love  he  dared  to  spurn; 

And  thou,  his  son,  still  followed  in  his  path  — 

Not  heeding  the  Inevitable's  wrath, 

Thou  still  defied  His  power,  scorned  His  love, 

Yes,  hurled  defiance  to  the  King  above. 

Thou  hast  ignited  heaven's  wrath  for  spite, 

And  heaven's  King  says  it  shall  burn  to-night! 

The  Lord  shall  take  thy  kingdom  from  thy  hand  — 

A  Persian  king  shall  thy  successor  be, 

Grim  Death  shall  on  thy  f'orhead  place  his  brand, 

And  thou  more  ghastly  spirits  soon  shall  see. 

On  you  bright  wall  of  thy  last  earthly  room, 

Read,  Babylon's  king,  the  record  of  thy  doom!" 


—  43  — 


Like  thunder  following  the  flash 
The  words  of  doom  fell  from  the  seer:  — 
New  terror  wakes  on  every  side, 
And  every  soul  is  full  of  fear. 

An  awful  quiet  reigns  supreme 
Upon  the  scene  of  mirth,  — 
An  ill  forboding  stillness  as 
Precedes  a  cyclojie's  birth. 
Like  statues  rooted  to  the  floor, 
Pale,  haggard,  motionless  they  stand, 
Amazed  and  speechless  now  as  stones,  — 
Their  mind's  eye  gazing  on  that  hand. 

The  monarch,  trembling  listens,  —  then  he  starts 
As  though  his  mind  were  pierced  with  sudden  darts; 
Imaginary  lines  begin  to  form,  — 
Imaginary  battles  rage  and  storm,  — 

Imagination's  ghosts  flit  to  and  fro,  — 
t 

Anon,  he  thinks  he  hears  th'  approaching  foe: 


—  44 


"Methinks  I  see  the  glitt'ring  weapons  flash! 
Hark!  was  not  that  the  saber's  hostile  clash? 
Arm,  men,  like  human  devils  brave  the  fight  — 
Sell  life  for  life  for  we  must  die  to-night!" 

But  if  one  chance 
To  leave  the  castle  for  a  while, 
And  towards  the  river  roam, 
The  still  Euphrates,  Babylon's  Nile, 
Where,  soft  winds  sigh  and  moan, 
There's  to  be  seen  another  sight; 
Another  army  gather'd  here,  — 
Not  drunken  revelers  of  the  night, 
But  warriors,  earnest  and  sincere. 

Hark!  listen  to  the  murmur  of  the  —  what? 
Is  that  the  thunder  from  the  distant  skies? 
No!  one  reflection  tells  us  it  is  not 
Though  'tis  as  near  as  one  might  first  surmise; 
But  'tis  the  ill  forboding  of  a  storm,  — 


—  45  — 


The  clouds  with  fury  threaten  soon  to  burst  — 

A  long  and  awful  night  before  the  morn! 

A  dreary  fight  and  blood  for  those  who  thirst! 

Now,  while  the  moon  sails  out  between  the  clouds 
To  pierce  the  darkness  with  her  gentle  beams 
And  lift  from  earth  a  moment  those  dark  shrouds, 
As  if  to  rob  young  nature  of  her  dreams, 
Behold!    upon  the  dark  Euphrates'  banks, 
Deserted  but  a  few  short  hours  ago, 
A  formidable  phalanx  lines  it  now  - 
The  army  of  the  unexpected  foe! 

Thus,  while  they  revel  in  sweet  fortune's  lap, 

The  enemy  prepare  the  fatal  trap 

Through  which  the  king  must  fall  from  such  a  height 

Into  the  dark  and  unknown  cave  of  night! 

They've  labored  while  their  victims  were  at  play, 

Improved  each  moment  to  avoid  delay: 

The  work  goes  bravely  on  without  a  pause  — 


—  46 


With  patient  toil  they  mean  to  gain  their  cause: 

In  their  designs  no  rash  act  they  employ 

Which  might  the  fruits  of  all  their  work  destroy; 

As  one  man  they  all  work,  no  effort  save 

In  digging  king  Belshazzar's  early  grave! 

They  work  as  though  their  lives  depended  on 

(Perhaps  it  does)  how  soon  this  work  is  done. 

The  hour  draws  nigh  when  fortune's  wheel  shall  turn 

And  Babylon  her  vanity  must  learn! 

Hist!  all  is  quiet, 
The  wrork  is  done 
Long  ere  the  rising 
Of  the  sun! 

Look!  now  the  river 
Has  changed  its  course,  — 
The  mighty  current 
Has  lost  its  force! 


—  47  — 


More  than  rushing,  rolling  waters, 

Scarce  a  sound  is  heard; 

Something  like  a  distant  humming, 

But  not  one  plain  word: 

And  the  dim  lights  growing  dimmer, 

Are  not  noticed  as  they  glimmer, 

But  there's  an  entrance  neath  the  walls 

Surrounding  Babylon's  castle  halls! 

The  way  prepared,  the  massive  army  halt 

While  Cyrus  gives  instructions  for  th'  assault. 

"Sleep  now,  Belshazzar's  sentinels, 
On  Babylon's  turret  peaks, 
Nor  wake  until  ye're  in  my  power!" 
Thus  now  the  leader  speaks. 

"O  fools!  when  fortune's  goddess  smiles, 
Be  wary!  soon  perhaps  you'll  grieve, 
For  she  is  fickle,  full  of  wiles, 
And  only  smiles  but  to  deceive. 


—  48  — 


-When  dazzled,  dazed  and  beastly  drunk, 
Come  death,  without  a  warning. 
And  make  Belsha/xar's  gayest  night 
A  night  without  a  morning! 

"The  river,  friends,  has  yielded  us  a  passage; 

The  greatest  obstacle  is  now  removed. 

And  with  (rod's  aid  well  play  the  rivers'1  s  part 

And  enter  neath  the  walls  of  Babylon! 

Now,  when  we  enter,  friends,  fear  naught  within: 

Be  valiant  and  fight  and  we  must  win: 

Consider  this:  The  foes  we  now  shall  meet 

Are  those  whom  once  before  we  did  defeat 

When  they  were  sober,  wide  awake,  prepared. 

Awaiting  our  attack  with  weapons  bared. 

Their  allies  by  their  side  upon  the  field, 

And  face  to  face  we  forced  their  lines  to  yield. 

We  now  shall  fall  upon  them  unexpected, 

At  such  a  time  when  fiend  intoxication 

Has  muddled  many  brains  and  made  the  victims 


—  49  — 


Unfit  to  meet  emergencies  and  danger; 
While  many  are  in  swinish  sleep  reposing, 
Arid  revellers  are  merrily  carousing, 
Ne'er  thinking  of  the  peril  pending  o'er  them, 
Far  from  suspecting  what  to-night's  transpired. 
When  they  discover  suddenly  the  danger, 
When  they  behold  our  army  in  the  city, 
Their  consternation  will  outdo  itself 
And  all  the  more  unfit  them  for  the  task. 

"But,  if  perchance,  they  apprehend  our  plot, 

They'll  mount  upon  their  places  of  abode 

And  hurl  death-dealing  missiles  on  our  heads 

From  every  side;  but  have  no  fear  of  this, 

For  fortune  is  against  them  even  here: 

Their  houses  are  of  palm-trees  built,  their  walls 

Anointed  with  bitumen  all  around: 

These  facts  speak  boldly  in  our  favour  now; 

When  from  their  roofs  they  hurl  their  missiles  down, 

Set  fire  to  their  dwellings!  burn  them  down! 


—  50  — 


The  people  will  be  forced  to  leave  at  once 
Or  perish  for  their  rashness,  in  the  flames! 
Then  spread  destruction  round  you  far  and  wide; 
The  fire-god,  Vulcan,  fights  upon  our  side! 

''Gobryas,  now  shalt  thou  onr  captain  be 

To  lead  our  forces  on  to  victory, 

For  thou  art  best  acquainted  with  the  way; 

Make  no  unnecessary,  rash  delay, 

But  once  within  the  walls,  conduct  us  straight. 

The  nearest  way  unto  the  palace  gate." 

lie  answers  thus:   UI  will!  and  I've  no  doubt 
But  we  shall  find  the  palace  doors  unbarred, 
For  revelry  is  holding  sway  to-night,  — 
The  sentinels  most  likely  drinking  hard: 
But  we  must  fall  upon  them  suddenly 
Lest  they  detect  our  plot  and  be  on  guard." 


51  — 


"Then  march  at  once!   The  precious  moments  fly: 
Let  not  another  pass  us  idly  by: 
Come,  give  them  not  a  moment  to  prepare,  — 
To-morrow  Babylon's  wealth  the  Persians  share!" 


The  soldiers  form  in  solid  ranks 
Where  lately  were  a  river's  banks: 
Avenging  looks  this  midnight  band, 
As,  sword  in  girdle,  spear  in  hand. 
Stealthily  they  forward  march 
Underneath  the  massive  arch. 
Swiftly  stealing  on  their  prey, 
Who,  had  this  been  open  day, 
Might  have  escaped,  but  fate  said,  no! 
And  heaven  would  not  have  it  so. 
For  mighty  Babylon's  doom  was  sealed, 
As  was  on  that  same  night  revealed. 


—  52  — 


Within  the  walls  at  last,  they  climb  the  banks 

To  learn  if  they  could  foi'ce  the  gates  of  brass 

Which  boldly  face  the  river  on  each  side: 

They  yield!  and  through  these  passage  ways  they  pass! 

King  Cyrus  sends  his  faithful  spies  about 
To  clear  the  facts  which,  shrouded  now  in  doubt. 
When  brought  to  light  their  weakness  would  expose 
And  aid  them  in  the  capture  of  their  foes. 

As  one  by  one  the  trusty  scouts  return, 
Delivering  the  news  which  they  could  learn, 
Shrewd  Cyrus  builds  the  ladder  to  success, 
Aud  thus  his  generals  doth  he  address: 

"The  palace  doors  are  locked;  we  can  not  enter 
Unless  by  stratagem  we  gain  our  cause; 
We  can  not  wait  for  sluggard  time's  assistance  — 
We  must  be  brief!  'tis  danger  now  to  pause! 


—  63  — 


"Look  there,  round  yonder  blazing  campfire  gathered, 
The  sentinels,  drunk  and  maddened  by  the  wine, 
Enjoying  life  as  kings  and  not  as  vassals, 
And  no  more  fit  for  war  than  muddled  swine! 

"They'll  never  think  of  swift  approaching  danger, 
Nor  dream  of  aught  but  wine  and  revelry. 
But,  merrily  carousing,  dancing,  drinking. 

Will  prove  tame  victims  for  their  enemy. 

\J 

"Gobryas,  thou  shalt  cautiously  approach 
Yon  camp-fire  and  attack  the  sentinels  there; 
Slay  some  and  thus  strike  terror  to  them  all: 
Let  cries  of  terror  pierce  the  midnight  air! 

Meanwhile,  I  with  Gadatas  and  his  forces 
Will  march  with  all  haste  to  the  palace  gate 
(All  must  be  done  with  the  least  commotion) 
Then  we'll  surround  the  entrances  and  wait. 


—  54  — 


••When  you  attack  the  guards  around  the  tire, 
Th'  assault  will  strike  such  fear  to  every  heart 
That  they  will  raise  an  outcry  for  assistance; 
Then  from  their  pleasant  dreams  the  lords  will  start! 

•'The  king  in  haste  will  open  wide  the  portals 
To  ascertain  the  cause  of  such  a  din, 
And  in  that  dire  moment  of  confusion. 
Without  delay  our  soldiers  shall  rush  in!" 

These  orders  given,  each  force  resumes  its  task, 
And  hid  behind  the  midnight's  raven  mask, 
In  strenght  a  host,  in  heart  a  single  man, 
They  set  to  work  to  execute  the  plan. 

They  seperate:  Gadatas  with  king  Cyrus 
On  conqueror's  wings  toward  the  palace  hies, 
(Tobryas  to  the  camp,  as  Cyrus  ordered, 
To  raise  a  panic  by  his  victims'  cries. 


—  55  — 


As  silently  the  armies  move  along 
No  sound  prevails,  save  revellers  dying  song: 
All's  peaceful  silence,  now,  save  here  and  the  IT 
A  drunken  laughter  falls  upon  the  air. 
Then  all  is  ominous,  still  and  dark  — 
Another  sound!  but  oh  how  different! 

Hark! 

A  cry  of  terror  breaks  the  awful  stilhie»! 
Another  follows,  then  a  general  wail! 
The  dreadful  plan  shall  lack  no  execution! 
The  awful  clamor  says  it  shall  not  fail! 

The  palace-doors  are  suddenly  tiling  open! 
The  guests  rush  out!  Out?  No!  it  is  in  vain! 
For  they  are  driven  back  in  wild  confusion; 
The  few  who  gain  the  open  air  are  slain! 

Before  us  lies  the  last  sad  scene: 
Not  flowers  sweet  nor  forests  green, 


—  56 


With  rippling  waters  on  a  night  serene, 
But  the  king's  domains  again  are  seen. 

The  selfsame  scene  on  which  our  dazzled  gaze 

Beheld  the  highest  pinnacle  of  bliss 

But  few  short  hours  ago:  — 

Alas,  now  look  what  different  phase! 

Whose  hand  has  changed  that  scene  of  happy  bli> 

To  deepest  depths  of  woe? 

Fickle  fortune's  wheel  is  turned 
And  ended  is  the  gayety  and  mirth, 
And  now  the  king  would  gladly  give 
His  kingdom  for  another  day  on  earth 
But  no!  alas,  't  would  not  be  granted, 
For  now  the  sins  which  he  had  planted 
Were  ripe  and  ready  reaped  to  be. 
And,  sown  in  sorrow  reaped  in  gladness, 
Sown  in  glory,  reap'd  in  sadness, 
O  say,  what  shall  the  harvest  be? 


—  57  — 


Still  fear  and  anger  rage  within  the  king: 
Like  one  who's  doomed  to  fill  an  early  grave, 
Of  all  his  self-possession  he's  deprived; 
Accusing  conscience  has  him  now  a  slave: 
"Where  shall  I  hide  from  God  almighty's  face? 
What  shall  I  do?  Prepare  at  once  to  fly? 
Where?  No!  On  earth  there  is  no  hiding  place  — 
And  heav'n  is  locked  to  me  —  and  1  must  die! 

What!  Must  I  die?  Who  says  to  me,  "Thou  must!" 

Am  I  a  king?  A  slave  tells  me  I  must, 

And  bids  me  tremble!  I  have  men  to  tight. 

Brave  soldiers  to  defend  a  sovereign's  right! 

I  tremble?  No!  down,  coward  conscience,  down! 

I  still  possess  a  kingdom  and  a  crown!" 

The  chain  is  forged!  O  fatal  links! 

Like  death-knells  sound  the  goblets'  clinks! 

Instead  of  wines  and  royal  drinks, 

The  clash  of  the  sabre,  the  helmets  clang, 


The  blood  from  the  heart-fount,  the  terrible  pang 

Felt  only  when  death  sticks  his  poisonous  fang 

Deep  into  his  victim  to  seek  for  his  life! 

The  battle-spear,  saber,  the  lance  and  the  knife 

Play  their  terrible  parts  in  the  tight  for  life; 

Great  crimson  floods  reek  on  the  floor. 

And  everywhere  are  stains  of  gore; 

And  in  the  light  that  gloated  o'er 

That  horrid  sight  the  weapons  gleam 

While  frightened  women  fly  and  scream 

As  though  awakened  from  a  dream! 

And  sadly  swells  the  dying  groan, 

Hearts  anguish-riven  wail  and  moan, 

Air  castles  to  the  air  are  blown! 

Belshazzar,  full  of  fear  and  rage, 
Like  a  fearful  demon  stands, 
He  fiercely  howls:  "I  am  yoiir  king! 
Obey  ye  my  commands!''1 


-  59  - 


His  hair  stands  like  the  lions  mane, 
His  eyes  glare  as  the  sun! 
He  knows  the  curtain  soon  must  drop 
1 1  is  part  is  almost  done! 

"No  hope  for  bloodless  peace  remains 
And  mercy's  hour  is  past! 
Escape  is  vain,  but  lose  or  gain, 
The  die  must  now  be  cast! 

-Imagination  shows  two  fates  — 
To  die,  or  live  a  slave! 
Arouse,  ye  fools  and  fight  like  fiends 
Or  fill  a  coAvard's  grave! 

"'Upon  the  cowards!  Drive  them  back 
To  their  mothers'  breasts  again 
Or  smear  our  sabers  with  their  blood! 
Like  dogs  let  them  be  slain!" 


—  60  — 


The  soldiers  hear  and  rush  to  war. 
The  battle  trumpets  sound, 
And  in  the  conflict's  roar  and  din 
The  monarch's  voice  is  drowned. 

The  lightning  flashes  from  the  swords: 
The  soldiers  fight  pell-mell: 
If  they  must  die  by  Persian  hands, 
Their  lives  they'll  dearly  sell. 

Like  brutal  beasts  and  not  like  men 
They  meet  and  fight  the  foe 
As  hand  to  hand  and  beard  to  beard 
They  strike  the  fatal  blow: 

They  scatter  dead  and  dying  side  by  side  — 
Belshazzar's  throne  with  blood  is  deeply  dyed! 

But  look  into  the  thickest  of  the  tight! 
The  king,  with  enemies  to  left  and  right, 


With  wrinkled  brow  and  fearful,  angry  mien 
Stands  like  one  'wakened  from  a  hideous  dream. 

At  last  the  monarch  draws  his  sword  to  kill; 

He'd  fain  escape  but  tights  against  his  will: 

All  hope  within  his  bosom  now  is  dead, 

And  on  his  brow  are  marks  of  fear  and  dread. 

His  hope  is  gone  —  experience  is  left,  — 

But  what  is  day  when  of  a  sun  bereft? 

All  dark  despair,  no  vision  of  a  heaven: 

Therefore,  in  death,  his  soul  is  anguish-riven! 

No  hope  for  earthly  bliss;  that  awful  hand 

Had  grasped  that  hope  that  was  so  bright  and  grand! 

The  guiding  star  of  life  torn  from  his  sky, 

He  rushes  to  destruction  —  he  must  die. 

With  maddened  frenzy  he  pursues  the  fight 
His  men  are  slain  before  his  very  eyt  -: 
His  madness  still  increases  at  the  sight  — 
And  all  the  world  in  anger  he  defies. 


—  62  — 


The  fight  grows  hot,  the  arrows  fly  around 
The  king  and  threaten  to  fulfill  his  doom: 
The  dying  groan  blends  with  the  helmet's  sound; 
Ah,  many  homes  will  now  be  filled  with  gloom. 

Alas!  Belsha/zai's  bound  by  Bachus'  chains; 
But  still  he  fights,  and  every  nerve  he  strains, 
To  gain  again  possession  of  his  mind; 
Confused  with  fear  and  rage,  like  brute  that's  blind, 
He  sees  no  friend  but  strikes  both  friend  and  foe, 
And  though  he  weakens  at  each  serveral  blow, 
His  weapon  meets  his  enemy's  and  wards 
Off  blow  by  blow  —  Alas!  he's  off  his  guard! 
His  actions  fail!  his  enemy's  point  is  pressed 
Against  his  heart,  now  —  buried  in  his  breast! 
An  awful  shriek  —  a  smother'd  cry  of  pain. 
And  then  he  seems  to  see  his  glory  wane. 

kkO  death!  wouldst  thou  convey  a  soul  to  hell':' 
Alas!  my  kingdom,  life  and  all,  farewell!" 


—  63  — 


A  smothered  curse  is  cast  upon  the  air, 
The  last  word  uttered  in  his  deep  despair. 

He  tries  to  raise  his  sword  again  —  in  vain: 
He  writhes  and  shows  deep  signs  of  heavy  pain: 
Ah,  sweet  revenge!  so  near  —  and  yet  so  far! 
Yes,  out  of  reach;  his  foe  he  can  not  mar. 
His  eyes  afire  —  for  blood  they  seem  to  thirst. 
His  bosom  heaves  as  though  it  fain  would  burst: 
Death  steps  before  him  with  his  poisonous  dart 
To  help  him  on  hi*  dreary  journey  start: 

The  ferry-man  is  waiting  at  the  boat 
For  him  that  he  may  set  his  craft  afloat, 
Awaiting  but  the  capture  of  his  ghost 
To  waft  him  o'er  to  Pluto's  dreary  coast. 

Ptrhaps  the  king  now  sees  his  awful  fate — 
Alas!  too  well,  ves  too  well,  and  —  too  late! 


64   — 


He  stands  a  moment  as  in  dread  suspense  — 
As  though,  if  death  approach,  to  brave  defence! 

He  feels  death's  cold  hand  reach  to  clog  his  throat! 
He  seems  to  see  grim  Satan  grin  and  gloat! 
He  gathers  all  his  strength  and  powers  of  will, 
Strains  every  nerve  to  shake  that  awful  chill: 

In  Vain!  in  vain!  That  grasp  grows  firm  and  fast! 

An  everlasting  prisoner  at  last! 

He  staggers,  falls  in  agony  of  death, 

And  struggles  still  in  vain  to  gain  his  breath; 

Death  rattles  in  his  throat;  he's  sinking  fast  — 

The  shades  of  death  his  wrinkled  brow  o'ercast; 

Cold  death  has  almost  frozen  every  vein 

And  still  he  strives  to  raise  his  head  again! 

His  pale  lips  quiver  —  ah,  perhaps  he  tries 

To  bid  a  kingdom  for  a  life  —  he  dies! 


—  65  — 


"No!  down  to  deepest  hell  thou  sinking  wreck! 
Ten  thousand  kingdoms  can  not  buy  thee  back! 
Thus  far  thou  goest,  now  the  word  is  "Stay!" 
Thy  cup  of  life  must  now  be  ta'en  away 
And  handed  to  another  with  thy  crown; 
Fools  drink  their  cup  too  suddenly  and  drown! 
Go!  join  thy  fellow-revellers  in  sin 
Ha!  ha!  ha!  ha!  Thus  do  I  rake  them  in!" 

Prostrate  he  lies,  his  body  is  asleep: 

Ah  what  a  slumber,  awful,  heavy,  deep! 

The  sun  that  sank  shall  never  show  its  light, 

For  this  begins  a  dark,  uncertain  night, 

A  night  of  dreams,  O,  who  can  tell  what  dreams 

But  he  who  sleeps,  till  doomsday's  bright  sunbeams 

Shall  break  the  night  of  death  when  time  is  past 

And  scatter  all  dark  shades  which  death  had  cast? 

When  the  veil  of  night's  forever  drawn  aside 

And  the  portals  of  the  morning  open  wide, 

O,  will  not  all  the  dreams  of  death  come  true 


—  66  — 


And  then  present  themselves  in  brighter  view? 
Will  then  Belshazzar  start  from  out  that  sleep, 
With  trembling  fear,  lest  dreams  their  promise  keep, 
To  heai  above  all  other  noise  and  din 
That  awful;  Mene!  Tekel!  Upharsin! 

No  matter!  long  he's  rested  'neath  the  sod 
And  to  an  unknown  land  his  soul  has  flown; 
Whate'er  his  fate,  leave  to  the  Judge  above; 
Its  secret  depths  no  mortal's  ever  known. 

A  Median  king  sits  on  th'  Assyrian's  throne;  — 
The  king  that  was  —  where's  he?  look!  dead  as  stone, 
There  at  his  feet,  with  dim  and  upturned  eyes, 
Cold,  blood-bespattered,  dead,  Belsha/zar  lies! 
His  doom's  fulfilled!  The  battle's  lost  and  won! 
The  curtain  drops,  the  tragedy  is  done. 


FINIS. 


—  67  — 


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